What this breaker is and what the ratings mean
The Siemens 3VA1196-6GE42-0AA0-ZD00 is a 4-pole IEC frame 160 molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) from the 3VA1 series, configured for line protection with a TM220 thermal-magnetic trip unit and ATFM (adjustable thermal, fixed magnetic) characteristics. Its headline breaking capacity is 70 kA at 415 V (class H), which means it can safely interrupt a fault current up to that level without failing — critical for high-fault installations where upstream coordination demands a robust interrupting rating. The continuous current rating (In) is 16 A, with overload protection adjustable between 11 A and 16 A (Ir). Short-circuit protection is fixed at 20 times In (Ii = 320 A). The 100% N-conductor protection means the neutral pole is fully rated, not reduced — important for applications with harmonic-rich loads or where the neutral carries near-phase current, such as in certain DC power OEM builds.
Lifecycle and sourcing posture
For volume procurement or BOM-line commitment, the part is quoted to order against an RFQ through independent distribution. Availability and current pricing are confirmed at quote time. The 'ZD00' suffix indicates a special OEM variant built for DC Power OEM in China, which may carry a different commercial code than the standard catalog version — verify the full order code against your BOM line.
Deployment context
Mounts in a standard panel on a DIN rail or directly to a mounting plate via the frame's integral lugs. The 4-pole form factor with a nut keeper kit simplifies wiring in a DC power OEM cabinet where space is tight and the neutral must be switched and protected at full rating.